The nation’s governors took time on Saturday to honor former President Reagan on what would’ve been his 110th birthday.
Democrat and Republican governors alike issued proclamations honoring “Ronald Reagan Day.” According to Americans for Tax Reform, 25 governors proclaimed Feb. 6 as “Ronald Reagan Day” in their states this year.
Among the governors was Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who issued a proclamation in honor of “The Gipper.”
“Ronald Reagan was one of the greatest presidents our nation has ever had and left an iconic legacy that continues to inspire,” DeSantis said on Twitter. “I’m pleased to proclaim today, Feb. 6, as Ronald Reagan Day in Florida in honor of The Gipper.”
“The Gipper” refers to the phrase “win one for The Gipper,” which was one of Reagan’s political slogans. The phrase references the former actor’s role as George Gipp in the movie “Knute Rockne, All American,” according to the University of Notre Dame.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) also issued a proclamation honoring Reagan as “a man of humble background [who] worked to advance the public good, having been employed as an entertainer, union leader, corporate spokesman, Governor of California and President of the United States.”
DeWine also said Reagan “inherited a disillusioned nation shacked by inflation and high unemployment.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued a proclamation on Friday recognizing Reagan for his accomplishments.
“Even amid an assassination attempt just 69 days into his time in office, the President’s energy and spirit remained bright,” Newsom wrote. “President Reagan helped usher in a peaceful end to the Cold War and enacted comprehensive immigration reform that provided a path to citizenship for thousands of undocumented immigrants.”
Reagan became governor of California in 1968, and was elected president in 1980 in a victory against then-incumbent President Carter. The 40th president served eight years in office, and was succeeded by then-Vice President George H.W. Bush.
Regan died on June 5, 2004 at the age of 93.